Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium announces 2026 annual benefit gala

SANIBEL ISLAND, Fla. - EntSun -- The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is pleased to announce its annual benefit gala Enchantment Under the Sea will be held Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026.

This year's celebration invites guests to travel back in time with a nostalgic Back to the Future theme and encourages attire fit for a 1950s Saturday night dance or festive garb from the 1980s, like in the movie.

Attendees will enjoy an evening of camaraderie at The Community House on Sanibel, live music by The Rockefellers and a delicious dinner catered by Savour First Choice Catering. The evening raises funds for growth of the Museum's school and youth education programs with an exciting auction of original items and experiences and a Paddles Up.

Florida Trust Wealth Management, formerly known as The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company, will again be Presenting Sponsor.

"The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium has made incredible strides in rebuilding its aquariums and Great Hall of Shells since Hurricane Ian," said Al Hanser, founder and chairman, Florida Trust Wealth Management. "We could not be prouder to have an educational institution and major attraction of this caliber on Sanibel Island."

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"Florida Trust has been honored to sponsor this fine organization for over two decades now," said Jeff Muddell, Sanibel-Captiva president, Florida Trust Wealth Management. "The research they execute and critical information they provide to the public is invaluable, and we are proud of their ongoing outreach to thousands of students every year."

For grades K-12 the Museum offers onsite field trips, online sessions and the Mollusks on the Move program in which educators visit schools with live mollusks. All offerings align with Florida Sunshine State education standards and can be adapted for home school groups and summer camps.

The donor-funded Adopt-A-Class program provides funds for Title 1 schools, and other schools as resources permit, to access these programs at no cost and may also subsidize the cost of bus transportation to and from the Museum.

"Florida Trust Wealth Management has been a tremendously generous supporter of the Museum for more than 20 years," said Sam Ankerson, National Shell Museum executive director. "We are grateful for their philanthropy on behalf of the island non-profits and communities throughout Southwest Florida."

Visit ShellMuseum.org/gala to learn more about sponsorships and tickets for the Enchantment Under the Sea gala.